Cannabinoid Screen and Confirmation (Urine)

Does this test have other names?

What is this test?

This is a two-part urine test to look for delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. THC
is the active ingredient in marijuana. The test can find out if THC or related chemicals
from marijuana called metabolites are in your urine. The test is considered quite
accurate. You may have to do the urine test in a health care provider's office or
with a technician present.

Why do I need this test?

You might have this test as a requirement before being hired for a job. You might
also have this test if you are showing signs of drug abuse. Your health care provider
may also give you this test to monitor drug abuse treatment and to quickly look for
any signs of relapse. Regular testing may help you recover from drug abuse more successfully.

What other tests might I have along with this test?

Your doctor may also order tests on samples of your hair, saliva, sweat, or blood.

What do my test results mean?

Many things may affect your lab test results. These include the method each lab uses
to do the test. To learn what the results mean for you, talk with your health care
provider.

A positive result can mean recent and past marijuana use. The urine marijuana test
will be positive if the amount of THC in the sample is more than 50 nanograms per
milliliter (ng/ml). This is called the cut-off level. If you use marijuana but your
test is negative, it could be because your THC levels are below this level. A confirmation
test can be done by a more sensitive method if the screening test is positive. Confirmation
tests are done to be certain that the original test result is a true result. It is
done to make sure the result was not caused by a medicine or other substance affecting
the test.

Urine tests can't show the exact day or hour that marijuana was last used. This is
because THC can stay in your system even after you've stopped using marijuana. THC
can linger on average up to 10 days for a casual user. It stays in your system for
2 to 4 weeks if you use marijuana often, and more than a month if you use it more
often.

How is this test done?

This test requires a urine sample. You may need to give the sample with a medical
staff or technician in the room.

Does this test pose any risks?

This test poses no known health risks. But the results may affect your job or legal
standing.

What might affect my test results?

The nausea medicine dronabinol gives positive test results. Tell your healthcare provider
if you've been taking it. You may be asked to give proof you have been prescribed
this medicine.

How do I get ready for this test?

You don't need to prepare for this test. Be sure your healthcare provider knows about
all medicines, herbs, vitamins, and supplements you are taking. This includes medicines
that don't need a prescription and any illicit drugs you may use